Symptoms of hypothyroidism notoriously include cold hands and feet (low body temperature in general), thinning hair, weight gain, sluggishness, fatigue, depression, constipation, dry skin, brittle nails, and anxiety.
The thyroid relies on a number of systems, nutrients, and processes in order to function. Many are given a thyroid diagnosis and aren’t informed as to what it means, let alone the processes that could influence it.
Conversely, some may have symptoms of hypothyroid but won’t get any assistance just because their numbers are in the range which many consider too broad, or some of their numbers are being ignored.
The thyroid is important in its own right. However, the body is not compartmentalized in how it works. The organs function like a symphony and it’s important to be able to see the whole picture to know how you can nutritionally and physically support your health.
For instance, I found it astounding, after learning myself, that people are unaware that: The liver reduces T4 into active T3 that the thyroid requires to actually use. A “congested” liver can hinder this process. This leads one to think the thyroid needs addressing when it’s actually the liver, which you won’t tend to find remedies for in modern medicine.
The brain is the conductor of the hormonal orchestra– specifically the pituitary. The adrenals can also affect the function of the thyroid.
All organs require certain nutrients to function. The pituitary needs manganese. The adrenals need salt (and potassium, but more commonly, for people with worn down adrenals, they need to focus more on a higher ratio of salt than potassium) and vitamin C.
Outside influences can affect all of the organs, like parasites which hinder liver function and produce growth hormone which can then interfere with pituitary function.
The thyroid has long been measured by a particular biomarker— body temperature.
There are many contributors to this biomarker, one of which is commonly vilified by society, avoided and kept to a minimum– calories! The average body temperature has progressively decreased in the last two centuries. Inn the 1860s the average caloric intake for men and women were 3594 and 2,607, respectively. Obesity was all but unheard of at this time. Clearly, calorie recommendations are much lower than that now.
In order to function properly, the thyroid needs nutrients just like every other organ.
- Iodine (T3 indicateds three iodine molecules). Found in kelp and seafood
- Amino acid tyrosine, abundant in animal proteins like meat, fish, cheese, edamame, tofu, and other beans
- Mineral Selenium, abundant in brazil nuts and seafood
All other nutrients are also vital.
Additionally, thyroid function can be disrupted by certain substances:
- Bromide, chlorine, and fluoride all displace iodine.
- Bromine is found in some bread processed foods
- Fluoride and chlorine is in much of tap and bottled water, especially in the US.
- Fluoride takes special filtration to remove which most don’t use and aren’t even aware of.
- Most conventional toothpaste also contain fluoride, as do some treatments at the dentist
I made a guide to help optimize the function of your thyroid, measured by body temperature.
It allows you to directly track your BMR. This has so many benefits from more energy to thicker hair and natural fat loss without restriction.
Download by clicking this link and entering your email to get it sent to your inbox.